Parton Distribution Function sensitivity studies using electroweak processes at LHCb

TL;DR

This paper explores how LHCb's measurements of electroweak processes, especially muon final states from Drell-Yan, can significantly improve our understanding of parton distribution functions at very low x values.

Contribution

It demonstrates the potential of LHCb to enhance gluon PDF accuracy at low x using electroweak process data with minimal integrated luminosity.

Findings

Gluon PDF can be improved up to 70% at low x with 100 pb^-1 data.

LHCb's forward acceptance allows probing x down to 2×10^{-6}.

Electroweak processes are effective for PDF sensitivity studies.

Abstract

We describe parton density function sensitivity studies, using muon final states produced through the Drell-Yan process via W, Z or $\gamma^*$ down to a Q^2 of 10 GeV^2. This makes use of LHCb's unique ability to trigger on low transverse momentum objects. Due to the forward acceptance of LHCb, x values down to 2 10^{-6} can be probed, where with just 100 pb-1 of data, the gluon PDF can improved up to 70%.